Michigan

Count Ringer among fans of Hart

Photos: AP and The Ann Arbor NewsMSU's Javon Ringer, left, is third in the Big Ten in rushing right now while U-M's Mike Hart tops the conference.

EAST LANSING -- Javon Ringer has exceptional talent for a Michigan State Spartan.

But what really sets Ringer apart from most others in his clan is his ability to see through the color combination of blue and maize instead of being blinded into a rage by it.

The junior running back from Dayton who almost joined the Ohio State Buckeyes, members of another cabal that finds everything to do with the University of Michigan offensive, expresses no shame whatsoever when talking about his admiration for Wolverine counterpart Mike Hart.

"He's a workhorse," Ringer said after rushing for a career-best 203 yards in the Oct. 13 victory against Indiana. "Mike Hart is a hard, strong runner. I'm really just trying to get on that level so I can be able to show people that I can be just the same."

Ringer didn't back down when reminded of that comment the other day, even though Hart and U-M invade Spartan Stadium at 3:30 Saturday afternoon.

Even so, aren't there laws against Spartans speaking in such glowing terms about Wolverines?

"Is it legal?" Ringer asked. "Some people would say no, but I'm a competitor and I like to see good running backs. You'd have to be in denial to say he's not a good running back.

"So anything I can pick up from him is what I'm trying to do."

Ringer will be able to compare notes up close if Hart has suitably recovered from the sprained right ankle that has caused him to miss the past two games.

"I'm looking real forward to it because I missed out on it last year with my knee and all," said Ringer, who sat out last season's Michigan game. "But now I'm feeling good."

Some might say that Ringer has already grown up to the level of Hart, a Heisman Trophy candidate who leads the Big Ten, and is third nationally, in rushing with 154 yards per game. He has 1,078 yards on 200 carries, averages 5.4 yards per carry with a long-gainer of 61 yards.

Ringer is third in the league and 14th in the nation with 120.4 yards per game. MSU's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2001 has 1,084 yards on 173 carries, a 6.3 average and an 80-yard longest rush.

"I think Ringer is a great back," Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said. "I think he's very strong, has great feet and great acceleration. He's an explosive back. He's very tough and is a good pass receiver.

"He's legitimate guy. He's had a great career, he's having a great year, and he's established himself without a question as one of the best backs in the country."

Hart and Ringer are third and fourth in the league in all-purpose yardage (160.1-149.7).

"One thing I try to take from him is the attitude he has with just playing and running with the football," Ringer said. "He's always determined to get the first down or the touchdown.

"He's a very strong, powerful running back, and that's something any other running back has to admire."

Ringer would like nothing better than to have Hart join him in the mutual admiration society.

Until then, Ringer should know that respect does travel both ways in this rivalry.

"Oh he's quick, quick and tough," U-M cornerback Morgan Trent said. "We've played him before and you know if you give him a little crease, he's going to go.

"You really got to get to him. You just can't give him any space or else he'll take it the whole distance."

Spartans coach Mark Dantonio has the same concerns for Hart, whom he is all but certain will play.

"I think Mike Hart is an emotional leader on their football team and he brings that emotion to the football game as well," Dantonio said. "He's a very strong back, runs with power, has quickness, has great vision and obviously is a great football player."